West Valley Student Receives Full Ride Scholarship

Sergio Camacho received a full ride scholarship to University of California, Irvine.

A West Valley High School senior has found his passion in life. Despite negative gender stereotypes and financial struggles, Sergio Camacho, will follow his passion to the University of California, Irvine (UCI), where he has received a full-ride scholarship to major in dance.

Sergio never thought about a career in dancing until he entered high school. He was hoping to get out of Physical Education (PE) class and he discovered dance. He found that dance allowed him to express himself in a way he wasn’t able to before. Sergio said his theater teacher at the time, Stacey Bailey, pushed him and introduced him to a new pathway he would have never given a second thought to.

Since Sergio has joined dance he has been in three community theater performances and two professional performances. In addition to his performances, he is the Thespian’s Treasurer, a leader in West Valley’s Dance Team, and teaches dance to students in sixth-eighth grade.

“The full-ride to UCI means everything to me,” said Sergio. His family has struggled with finances his whole life. He said at school he would borrow supplies from friends and staff so he could be prepared for his classes. He continued to say, “This scholarship will allow my family to not have to worry about paying for college, but can spend their money on necessities.”

His Dance and Theater teacher, Cheri Kehler, said that Sergio is more than deserving of the scholarship he received. “Talent is a small part of what makes Sergio great. His drive and willingness to work as hard as necessary toward any goal is incredible.”

Sergio will attend UCI in the fall to pursue a career in dance. His scholarship covers tuition, room and board. Congratulations Sergio! Your West Valley High School and Hemet Unified School District family is behind you. We can’t wait to see where life takes you!